SOS girls tie rakhis on Gujarat Governor Devvrat at Lok Bhavan
Synopsis
Girls from the SOS Children's Village in Kutch-Bhuj brought Raksha Bandhan to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat's doorstep, tying rakhis at Lok Bhavan and sharing their educational aspirations. The visit spotlighted an organisation running 32 centres across 21 states — its Bhuj chapter born from the rubble of the 2001 earthquake.
Key Takeaways
Girls from the SOS Children's Village, Kutch-Bhuj tied rakhis to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan, Gandhinagar on 28 August .
The Governor interacted with the girls about their studies, ambitions, and future goals.
The girls presented a handmade painting to the Governor during the visit.
The SOS institution operates around 32 centres across 21 states in India.
The Kutch-Bhuj centre was established in 2001 after the earthquake left many children without parental care.
Girls from the SOS Children's Village, Kutch-Bhuj centre tied rakhis to Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan, Gandhinagar on Friday, 28 August, marking Raksha Bandhan with a warm interaction centred on education, aspirations, and the path ahead for children in institutional care.
The Raksha Bandhan Visit
The girls met Governor Devvrat at his official residence and tied rakhis as part of the festival celebrations. They also presented him with a painting crafted by them — a gesture that drew appreciation from the Governor. Officials briefed Devvrat on the range of activities the SOS institution undertakes for the education, care, and overall development of children across its centres.
What the Governor Said
Addressing the girls, Governor Devvrat said: 'The work of taking children forward towards education, values, self-confidence and self-reliance is extremely important for shaping the future of society.' He enquired about the girls' academic progress and their ambitions, and the children shared their own experiences during the interaction.
About SOS Children's Villages in India
The SOS institution currently operates around 32 centres across 21 states in the country, providing support and guidance to children in need — helping them pursue education in schools and colleges, and offering vocational training and family-strengthening programmes. The Kutch-Bhuj centre was established in 2001 following the devastating earthquake that left many children without parental care. It continues to provide care, education, and youth development support to children at the centre.
Focus on Self-Reliance and Education
The interaction also underscored the importance of supporting children beyond formal schooling — building confidence and the ability to become self-reliant. The programme concluded with the Governor extending greetings and wishing the girls a bright future. Notably, this visit reflects a broader pattern of institutional children using national festivals as occasions to engage with public figures, drawing attention to their needs and achievements.
Point of View
Yet its funding and policy environment rarely receive scrutiny commensurate with its scale. Governor-level engagement is welcome, but sustained policy attention to child welfare institutions — staffing norms, education outcomes, post-care support — would matter more than a single festival interaction.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the SOS Children's Village girls who met Gujarat Governor Devvrat?
They are residents of the SOS Children's Village centre in Kutch-Bhuj, Gujarat — an institution that provides care, education, and developmental support to children in need. The Kutch-Bhuj centre was established in 2001 following the earthquake that left many children without parental care.
What happened at the Raksha Bandhan event at Lok Bhavan?
Girls from the SOS Kutch-Bhuj centre visited Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar on 28 August, tied rakhis, presented a handmade painting, and discussed their education and future aspirations with him.
What did Governor Acharya Devvrat say at the event?
Governor Devvrat said: 'The work of taking children forward towards education, values, self-confidence and self-reliance is extremely important for shaping the future of society.' He also enquired about the girls' academic progress and ambitions.
How many SOS centres operate in India?
The SOS institution currently runs around 32 centres across 21 states in India, offering education, care, vocational training, youth development, and family-strengthening programmes to children in need.
Why was the SOS Kutch-Bhuj centre established?
The SOS Children's Village in Bhuj was set up in 2001 in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the region, leaving a large number of children without parental care. It has since provided education and care to children at the centre.
